(Cross-Posted at Silence Isn't Golden [1])

It sure took the Tennessee papers long enough! The Knoxville News-Sentinel [2] has given Barack Obama a rousing endorsement:

Obama, 46, was challenged early in the campaign for his lack of experience in Washington, but he has deftly turned that criticism into an asset, pointing out that those who got us into war in Iraq and built the deficit had a wealth of political experience.

He also said that his critics would prefer that he "season and stew a little bit more … boil all the hope out of him, so he sounds just like us."

He also has said the central question is not who is ready on day one of the new presidency but who is right - who can build majorities in both Houses.

So now two major Tennessee papers have released their endorsements, the first being the Memphis Commercial Appeal's endorsement of Hillary Clinton [3]. Hey, Tennessean, we're all waiting on you! I'm assuming that endorsement will come tomorrow morning. Has the Chattanooga Times Free Press endorsed anyone yet, are they going to?

The irony with these two endorsements is that if you believe the polls, Memphis is Obama's strongest base of support, while East Tennessee is better for Hillary. Interesting, then, that the endorsements went opposite ways. Anyone have an idea of why that might be?

UPDATE: The Tennessean will not be endorsing [4] anyone. LAME.